Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cusco beckons adventurers to uncover the stunning Humantay Lake. This all-inclusive day tour promises an unforgettable experience, offering a scenic trek over 4,000 meters and breathtaking vistas of the turquoise lagoon. From a hearty breakfast to a delectable lunch, the journey caters to every traveler’s needs. With round-trip transportation and essential equipment provided, the stage is set for an unforgettable exploration of this natural wonder. What secrets does Humantay Lake hold, just waiting to be discovered?

Contents show

Key Points

A 13-hour guided adventure from Cusco to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, including breakfast in Mollepata and lunch after the trek.
Round-trip transportation from Cusco, with ascent over 4,000 meters and a 2-hour trek to the lagoon.
Trekking equipment like poles and first aid provided, ensuring safety and comfort during the high-altitude hike.
Entry fees to Mollepata and Humantay Lagoon included, supporting local conservation and community efforts.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco Full Day to Humantay Lake tour takes travelers on a 13-hour adventure, providing a live tour guide in English and Spanish.

Participants can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront to reserve their spot.

The tour departs from Cusco and ascends over 4,000 meters, stopping first in Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to Soraypampa to begin the 2-hour trek to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, surrounded by glaciers and local flora and fauna.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Pricing and Inclusions

According to the information provided, the Cusco Full Day to Humantay Lake tour costs from $34.00 per person.

This includes a 13-hour tour with a live English and Spanish-speaking guide. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco to the Humantay Lagoon, as well as breakfast in Mollepata and lunch after the trek.

Additional equipment like trekking poles, oxygen, and first aid are also provided.

Entry fees to Mollepata are extra, costing 10 S/ (2.70 US$) for Peruvians and 20 S/ (5.40 US$) for foreigners.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from Cusco, the tour ascends over 4000 meters to the Humantay Lagoon in the Andes Mountains.

The first stop is in Mollepata (3000 meters) for breakfast.

The tour then continues to Soraypampa (3900 meters) to begin the trek to Laguna Humantay. The trekking duration is approximately 2 hours to reach 4,200 meters.

The trek to Laguna Humantay begins at Soraypampa (3900 meters) and takes approximately 2 hours to reach an elevation of 4,200 meters.

Highlights include:

A turquoise lagoon surrounded by glaciers.
Viewing local fauna and flora.
Enjoying lunch after returning from the lagoon.
Transportation provided in a minibus from Cusco to the lagoon and back.

Trekking to Humantay Lake

After reaching Soraypampa at 3,900 meters, the trek to Laguna Humantay begins. The trailhead starts with a gradual ascent through alpine meadows. Trekkers will encounter stunning vistas of the surrounding Andes mountains.

The path becomes steeper as it approaches the turquoise-colored lake, situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters. Along the way, hikers may spot local wildlife like Andean geese and chinchillas.

The trek takes approximately 2 hours to reach the magnificent Humantay Lake, where visitors can marvel at the glaciers that frame the serene waters. Trekking poles and proper acclimatization are recommended for this high-altitude hike.

More Great Tours Nearby

Breakfast and Lunch

Before setting out on the trek, the tour includes a breakfast stop in Mollepata at 3,000 meters. Fueling up is essential before the ascent to Humantay Lake.

The breakfast spread includes:

Freshly baked breads
Local dairy products
Hearty porridge
Assorted fruits

After the hike, a delicious lunch is provided. The meal features:

Typical Andean dishes
Vegetarian options
Refreshing drinks
Dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth

This all-inclusive tour ensures travelers are well-fed throughout the day’s adventures.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Transportation and Equipment

The tour provides transportation from Cusco to the Humantay Lake and back. Participants will ride in a comfortable minibus to reach the starting point of the trek.

Once at Soraypampa, essential trekking equipment is provided, including hiking poles, emergency oxygen, a first aid kit, and blankets. These items are crucial for the high-altitude hike and ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers.

After exploring the stunning Humantay Lake, the minibus will take the group back to Cusco, dropping them off at the Plaza Regocijo.

Entry Fees and Dropoff

Travelers must pay an entrance fee to access the Mollepata area, which serves as the starting point for the trek to Humantay Lake. Peruvian citizens pay 10 soles, while foreigners are charged 20 soles.

After the excursion, the tour concludes with a drop-off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

The entry fees cover:

Maintenance of the hiking trails
Conservation efforts in the Humantay Lake area
Support for the local community and economy
Administrative costs for managing the protected site

The drop-off location at Plaza Regocijo provides a convenient access point for travelers to continue their exploration of Cusco’s historic center.

Cancellation and Booking Policy

Although the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers must reserve their spot without upfront payment.

This flexible booking policy allows guests to secure their place on the tour and make any necessary changes or cancellations with ease.

The "reserve now, pay later" option is particularly convenient, as it eliminates the need to make an immediate payment. Guests can simply book their spot and settle the balance closer to the tour date.

This booking flexibility ensures a hassle-free experience, giving travelers peace of mind when planning their Cusco adventure to Humantay Lake.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear?

You can bring your own hiking gear, but it’s not required. The tour provides trekking poles, emergency oxygen, a first aid kit, and blankets to ensure your comfort and safety during the hike to Humantay Lake.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour as a private or shared experience, allowing for flexibility in group size. The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants.

Are Pets Allowed on the Trek?

Pets are not allowed on the trek to Humantay Lake. The tour is designed for human participants only, and bringing pets would not be permitted due to safety and logistical concerns on the high-altitude hike.

What Is the Weather Like at Humantay Lake?

The weather at Humantay Lake is typically cold and windy, with temperatures averaging around 2°C (36°F). Visitors should dress warmly in layers and bring proper hiking gear to cope with the alpine conditions.

Is There Cell Phone Reception During the Hike?

Cell phone reception during the Humantay Lake hike is limited. The remote location in the Andes mountains means connectivity can be spotty, though the tour guide will have emergency communication capabilities. Visitors should plan accordingly and expect limited access to their devices.

Sum Up

This full-day adventure to Humantay Lake from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience. For just $34.00 per person, you’ll enjoy a scenic trek, breathtaking views, and all-inclusive amenities, while supporting local conservation efforts. With round-trip transportation, meals, and equipment provided, it’s an opportunity to learn about the natural beauty of the Andes in a comfortable and hassle-free way.